The squad should look familiar to Roncalli fans, as the team did not lose any seniors to graduation. Returning wrestlers include Isaac Norton (106), Tyson Mitzel (160), Brayden Hilton and Riley Johnson (170), Zach Sumner (182) and Matt Schlosser (195). Mitzel was fourth at 152 pounds at last year's state tourney. A newcomer to the varsity will be junior Dan Gallagher (138).
Justin Briese has been the Cavaliers' head coach for seven seasons after serving as an assistant for three years. He is assisted by Nash Eickholt. Briese said low numbers will play a role in how the team approaches the season.
"Our numbers are lower than we'd like," he said. "It's hard to gauge the team wins and losses. It turns into an individual focus. We have to look at the individuals and how each one can get better each week and help the team."
Personal improvement is important, and Briese hopes to see a lot of it as the season goes on.
"It's a long season and we emphasize that," he said. "I think Tyson had 40-some matches last year, so improving every week is big."
Mitzel, who compiled a 44-3 record last season, recorded the first 40-win season by a Cavalier since Chase Tempel in 2007-08. Mitzel enters this season needing seven wins to become Roncalli's all-time winningest wrestler.
He is ranked first at 160 pounds in a pre-season poll, and Briese hopes that will be incentive for the junior to perform at a high level all season.
"It's not like an official ranking, but it's nice to see him get some recognition," Briese said. "He's worked hard and it is high on his list of goals to be there at the end of the year."
Along with Mitzel, Briese said the team has some solid wrestlers returning who should be able to provide plenty of highlights.
"Sumner will be a good wrestler; he's a senior," Briese said. "He had a tough season last year and he's turned into a good leader. Matt is a sophomore this year and he was one match away from going to state last year. He's wrestled a long time and is very experienced and knows what to do on the mat."
Briese expects Webster to be a major player in the Northeast Conference race this season.
"Webster will be very competitive this year, they always have a good core of guys returning," Briese said. "Those guys have been wrestling together for years."
The Cavaliers begin their season Saturday at the Clark-Willow Lake tournament, which begins at 10 a.m. in Clark. Roncalli will have three home dates this season, including a dual with Sioux Falls O'Gorman that takes place at the same evening as a home boys' basketball game with Sisseton on Jan. 25.
"We set up the match in the cafeteria and set up chairs," Briese said. "It's an interesting atmosphere."
The schedule doesn't hold any surprises for the Cavaliers, who will again compete at the Lee Wolf Tournament on Jan. 26. Briese said the tournament is a chance to see teams that Roncalli normally does not compete against, including teams from Minnesota and North Dakota.
"We are kind of looking forward to the Lee Wolf at Central," Briese said. "It gives us a chance to (wrestle) some Class A schools. It's good to see different competition."
2012-13 Schedule
December - 1, at Clark-Willow Lake Tournament in Clark, 10 a.m.; 8, at Faulkton Tournament, 10 a.m.; 15, Northeast Conference at Webster, 9:30 a.m.; 29, at Webster Tournament, 9:30 a.m.;
January - 3, at Clark-Willow Lake Triangular in Clark, 6 p.m.; 5, at Miller/Highmore-Harrold Tournament in Miller, 10 a.m.; 10, Roncalli Triangular (Groton, Sisseton), 6 p.m.; 12, at Potter County Tournament in Gettysburg, 10 a.m.; 17, at Webster Triangular, 6 p.m.; 19, at Ipswich Tournament, 10:30 a.m.; 24, at Britton-Hecla Triangular, 6 p.m.; 25, Sioux Falls O'Gorman, 6 p.m.; 26, Lee Wolf Tournament, 10 a.m.;
February - 5, Roncalli Quadrangular (Warner/Northwestern, Aberdeen Central JV, Britton-Hecla), 6 p.m.